Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica:Volume 4 Prologue

Prologue - The Signal of the End of Peace

Part 1

Soft sunlight filtered in.

The rays of the sun spread their comfortable warmth, announcing the coming of spring. Gentle wind blew into the room from an open window, making the white lace curtain flutter lightly.

A self-governed region established to manage the returnees from alternate worlds. On the sky of the giant manmade island built by refilling a portion of Tokyo Bay, the cloudless weather gave the feeling of spring.

However, in contrast with the comfortable weather, a heavy atmosphere enshrouded the Ousawa residence.

The reason was the silence that fell into the living room a little while before.

...... Good grief.

Ousawa Akatsuki sighed in his mind. Right now inside the room, there were four people including Akatsuki.

Akatsuki and Miu, who live in this house.

Also their friends Izumi Chikage and Doumoto Kuzuha.

“........................”

Akatsuki, leisurely laying back on the couch, looked at the girl sitting besides him.

The name of the girl prone to cast her eyes down was Ousawa Miu. The name belonges to Akatsuki’s little sister.

However—the girl that was now over there wasn’t Akatsuki’s little sister.

Akatsuki was summoned to the alternate world Alayzard, as a result of his hardships became a hero, and defeated the Demon King Garius — From Garius, right before his death, he was entrusted with his only daughter.

Myuu. That's her true name.

And after the Demon King Garius died, judging that she was in danger, Akatsuki brought her back to this world. Bestowing her with the name of his sister who was no longer around, they started living together. Meanwhile they attended school at Babel organization, which was established with the aim to manage and train the boys and girls who returned from alternate worlds.

Yet,that didn't mean all problems were solved. Of those around them got hold on her being an inhabitant of an alternate world, it would be problematic, and from the start they had a relationship of being a hero and the daughter of the Demon King. To Miu, Akatsuki was her father's enemy. Properly speaking, he was the target of a hatred that cannot absolutely be forgiven.

—Living together despite that, while learning about each other, in tome trust sprouted between them. Then a pursuer was sent from Alayzard and attacked Miu.

Phil Burnet. He was a human of this world summoned to Aleyzard, ironically to be the youth that was to become the next hero after Akatsuki. At JPN Babel that Akatsuki and Miu attended—there, during the Ranking Tournament, a death match against Phil ensued. Despite Phil having formed a contract with the Evil Dragon Zahark, a lifeform from a higher plane, Akatsuki still defeated him. Furthermore, during the battle, even though Miu gave up her own life so as not to involve the people around her, Akatsuki's strong persuasive skills freed her from her despair. In the end, the trust between them became deeper.

—But in contrast, this most likely caused others to notice that Miu held some sort of secret.

Especially, the ones who were in their same team at the ranking tournament, Chikage and Kuzuha, as they in fact engaged in combat against Phil, they know that Phil's goal was Miu. At least to these two, due to the facts stated above, it was impossible to keep the secret from them.

Because of that, at the end of the Ranking tournament, after coming back home from the seaside park.

Akatsuki made Miu make a decision. Whether or not to disclose her secret to Chikage and Kuzuha.

Thereupon, after a struggle Miu made a decision. To reveal her secret to those two.

For that reason, Akatsuki got in touch with Chikage and Kuzuha. In order to confirm their intentions.

—Don't tell to anyone. It's a life or death matter. Miu's hidden secret is that big, so it's serious. Even so, it may be you want to hear about it.

You will hear Miu's secret from Miu herself.—

To Akatsuki's question "What will you do?", both Chikage and Kuzuha sent the same answer.

An immediate reply. Both of them said just the single words "I'll go."

The next day, just a bit after noon, Chikage and Kuzuha turned up at the Ousawa home.

—And so, we arrive at the current situation.

Part 2

The heavy silence continues.

Scratching his cheek, Akatsuki looked at the clock hanging on the wall. The time was around half past one in the afternoon, Since Chikage and Kuzuha came, roughly about half an hour has passed.

To tell the truth, at this time right now they should've been attending school.

However, though it is a weekday, Akatsuki and the others are on a break. So as to wrap up the Ranking Tournament, from today onwards JPN Babel has entered spring break.

Ten days. That was the rest time given to the alternate world returnee youngsters who attend school at JPN Babel.

Once it ended, it will be the start of a new school term.

The long-awaited first day of spring break. Even the weather is the best one. Even though Akatsuki was thinking about wrapping the talk up in a flash and brightly go out with everyone. What's the deal with this, ruminated Akatsuki. If Miu keeps silent like this, the mood will become heavier and heavier, and she will miss the chance to start the conversation.

However, although this matter is also related to Akatsuki, in the end, it's Miu's own problem. Therefore he thinks it's best for Miu to say it with her own words when she herself decides.

......Well, I can at least make a chance.

Making a faint wry smile, Akatsuki's made the necessary preparations unknowingly to Miu.

"——Hyah!?"

Suddenly, Miu screamed in surprise.

What was the best way to talk about her to Chikage and Kuzuha? While fretting about that, suddenly her body shivered. She wondered why, but Miu soon found out the reason.

"Huh——?"

She unconsciously stopped thinking.

Her boobs were being rubbed. It was because, before anyone noticed, Akatsuki's left hand had went around behind her.

Her left breast changing in shape, Miu looked besides her with eyes of disbelief,

"Hmm? How soft......"

While Akatsuki in question kept calmly rubbing Miu's chest, she tilted her head in wonder,

"With a mood this stiff, I thought your boobs, reading a bit the mood, would also get a little stiff......"

"You dolt—read the mood a bit!"

As Miu screamed, at the same time she hit Akatsuki's face with a backhand blow of her right hand.

Standing up, she crossed her arms hiding her chest to protect it,

"Doesn't matter the mood at the time, girl's boobs are soft!"

Thereupon, Akatsuki, who supposedly received a direct backhand blow, smiling composedly,

"—What. You've come out quickly, haven't you, voice?"

"Huh......?"

Miu involuntarily became dumbfounded. What the heck is Akatsuki saying?

Then, Akatsuki's expression became gentle,

"Since you couldn't start to talk at ease, I've just unknotted your feelings. If you keep worrying forever, you'll make no progress. Izumi and Class Rep decided to come hear your story, and came specifically for that. And yet, if you keep silence, you'll be being rude to them."

"Ah ......"

Miu, as coming to a realization, looked at Chikage and Kuzuha sitting on the opposite sofa.

They don't know how to react to Akatsuki's sudden action. After meeting her eyes, Chikage and Kuzuha reveal troubled smiles. However, they keep saying nothing, since they are waiting for Miu to speak. If they said something, their words would become an urging to Miu.

So that doesn't happen, they kept waiting for Miu.

That's why,

"Sorry...... Girls."

To Miu, who involuntarily hung her head down, Chikage directed a gentle smile.

"No need to apologize...... Besides, there's no need to hurry."

The reason why was,

"Since both me and the class rep came here to listen Miu tell us with her own words."

"True...... So, don't think we are forced to hear it."

Said Kuzuha. And, confronting Akatsuki with a chiding tone,

"Ousawa-kun. Although we are grateful, stop behaving like rushing things. Since we'll wait until she readies her heart."

"Yes. It's her fault......"

Akatsuki, shrugging his shoulders, but still showed a satisfied smile.

He put his hands behind the back of his head, and his body once again sunk deep into the couch.

Seeing this, it seems he doesn't intend to say nothing more. Akatsuki kept quiet and closed his eyes.

However, Ousawa Miu realizes it. Akatsuki's withdrawal just now was not because of Miu's words.

It was because of Chikage and Kuzuha's words, who believe in Miu. So that Miu didn't hesitate like up until now, he has checked that two so as their thoughts could be heard.

That is, gentle interference.

....Behind my back, you've given me a push.

Miu remembered. When he asked her if she would open her heart to Chikage and Kuzuha or not, those were Akatsuki's words. Assuming I had to choose, I'll just protect you with all my might—that was what Akatsuki said to her. For this reason, Miu made the decision to report to Chikage and Kuzuha.

I don't want to involve those two, she felt like that. Since my fate is filled with great dangers. Even though both witnessed Phil during the Ranking War and fought, she could always dodge the issue. If she decides to deceive them, in order to make Chikage and Kuzuha not pry anymore into her business, she can make up something.

However, if she does that, both of them will surely notice in the end. That she has deceived them.

When that time comes, it will undoubtedly further the distance between them, and that probably will be the end.

Naturally, those two will drift away from Miu.

Since the result of lying—is most likely that.

...... But.

Miu thought. She certainly doesn't want that.

They are the first friends she could ever make. Existences she can call her best friends, she doesn't want to lose them.

Perhaps by conveying the truth, Chikage and Kuzuha will possibly drift apart. However, even in that case, she doesn't want them to scatter by saying nothing.

So,

"............ Is it right? Chikage-san, Class Rep."

She could ready her heart. Sitting straight in the couch, she stared at those two up front.

I'll tell. Let's pray,

"Though it may become a little long...... Will you hear me? My story"

Part 3

After that, Miu told Chikage and Kuzuha about her background.

From herself being a resident of a world called Alayzard, to her position as the Demon King's daughter, as well as the details of how, having a relationship of enmity with Akatsuki, both of them came around to this world. And from how, since she came to this world, she posed as Akatsuki's sister, to Phil Barnett's true identity and his hidden objective.

Once the whole story was over—before they knew, the sunlight that came from the window was going down.

Looking at the clock, Miu realized. Shince she started her story, a full three hours had passed.

So, in order to take a break from the conversation, on Akatsuki's suggestion they had a temporary recess.

On the table before them, everyone's teacups had already become empty,

"I ...... I'll brew some more tea."

Saying that, Miu placed the cups on a tray, and flew into the kitchen.

She placed the four sets of tea cups and saucers in the sink and placed a kettle filled with water over the fire of the stove. Finally, Miu let out a big sigh.

The water that flew from the faucet is making circular ripples in the stainless steel sink.

Loke that, Miu listened for a while to the sound of running water.

And then,

"—Hey, thanks for your work."

Suddenly, someone called out to her. Looking back, there was Akatsuki, leaning on the wall at the entrance of the kitchen, with a gentle look on his face.

"Yeah......"

Miu quietly nodded and turned back to the sink. After that, she started washing the teacups, gently sliding the sponge soaked in detergent.

Then, Akatsuki, without saying a word, stepped up to Miu. And,

"Ah......"

While quietly washing the cups, Miu's vision suddenly darkened. She had been embraced. It seems her head was embraced from the side. Miu had stopped her hands, and with a little troubled tone,

"That's dangerous...... What if I break a cup?"

"Relax. There's no way I'll let a girl I'm hugging get injured."

That joking tone gave her comfort.

"You did your best......"

"...... Yeah."

Beore Akatsuki's voice tinged with warmth compared, she couldn't help but let out a quivering nod.

Miu softly closed her eyes on Akatsuki's chest. She leaned on him as if entrusting him with her body.

By receiving Akatsuki's gentleness, Miu knows to what extent ahe was at a loss wondering about if to convey the truth to Chikage and Kuzuha or not. Because of that, Miu meekly fawns on that gentleness.

There's no turning back. Since I've told everything to those two.

From now on, all depends on Chikage and Kuzuha's judgement.

If either they keep fostering friendship like until now, or else they end up as enemies.

"I wonder if I have sufficiently explained myself......"

"Yup, there's noo doubt about that."

He patted her back, as if saying she doesn't need to worry.

Then, Akatsuki put both hands on Miu's shoulders, and gently removed her body.

"—Well, since I'll brew the tea, you should go back first."

"Eh, but......"

Miu's face clouded. Akatsuki, why don't we listen together to Chikage and Kuzuha's answer?

To Miu, who looked uop with uneasiness, Akatsuki showed a gentle face,

"When I called them, I was asked something by Izumi and Class Rep. But after listening to your story, they still don't know what anwer give to you. That is, since they'll give you a throughly thought answer... That answer, they want you to hear it first."

What to do?

"However, if you say you want me to hear it with you—Do you mind if I'm present?"

The decision Miu made after pondering for a while, Akatsuki respected it without complain.

As a result—Akatsuki was currently left alone in the kitchen.

Having the water in the kettle already boiled, he was now cooling it down to a suitable temperature.

Warming the cups and the tip of the teapot with hot water, Akatsuki was counting.

The gradually decreasing figures were a countdown until the moment of his arrival.

And, it happened when he got to just under 10. A single voice raised from the living room.

"————————"

It was a cry. What the trembling voice conveyed was a wailing of overflowing inendurable feelings

Akatsuki knew whowas owner of the voice. And also why she's crying.

So, Akatsuki didn't move from that place.

Ousawa Akatsuki knows hot to react to a girl's tears.

In this case, if he reacted, then those were tears of sadness.

Had that kind of tears being shed, Akatsuki would have immediately rushed to the living room.

However—These tears were different.

The ones who had to react to these tears were the two people at her side.

So,

"...... That's good."

Akatsuki showed a satisfied smile. Then, as if he remembered something,

"—Tch, how bad. Since it arrived sooner than expected, I lost count."

Distracted by the situation there, maybe tha water had cooled a bit too much.

Scratching his cheek in annoyance, Ousawa Akatsuki showed a dissapointed wry smile.

"Well, isn't it fine? Rather than warm, it may be better to a body that has cooled down by crying."

Part 4

War should have ended.

Human and Demons were at war for a long time in the alternative world of Alayzard.

A young man came from an alternative world to overthrow the Demon King, and put an end to the war.

The young man's name is Ousawa Akatsuki.

However, when Akatsuki first arrived in Alayzard he was powerless. Akatsuki obtained a powerful force and become a hero in the eyes of the people, and then defeated the most powerful Demon in history King Galious. That was why Akatsuki was summoned, but at this point in time there already existed a hero.

The magician kingdom of Sylphid Knight - Leon Aceperio

However, the symbol of hope Leon met with an untimely death.

In order to protect Akatsuki, Leon used his own flesh and blood to resist the Demon King Galious's fierce blade. The Demon King took Akatsuki's only friend in this new world, right in front of him.

After that "Hope" died, the Demon King even captured the grand city El Da. The Alayzard people were in despair and naturally directed their anger at Akatsuki. Subjected to relentless slander and attacks from the people of Alayzard, Akatsuki chose to disappear, only in return to get tougher condemnation.

Everyone thought Akatsuki was a run away coward.

But Akatsuki did not run away.

He went to live alone in <God’s Interlayer> a place where only gods occupy, risking his life at every turn until he finally learns how to manipulate his body's "Renkan Keikikou." After finishing his training, Akatsuki immediately went to participate in the battle to re-seize the city of El Da, not only saving Princess Listy from a helpless situation, but he also repels the Demon Kings army leading to the people's Liberation Army final victory.

The "Run away coward" has become a great hero of El Da. Then a miracle happened.

After a lot of suffering, after overcoming many difficulties, Akatsuki finally became a "Hero" in the eyes of the people, but still mourning the death of Leon some people refused to accept Akatsuki. Leon Esuperio would remain the "Hero", and cast Akatsuki as the "Rogue Hero" stigma.

Akatsuki embraced the "Rogue Hero" title, after a long battle, and finally successful overthrow the demon lord Galious, brought hope to the people of Alayzard for long-awaited peace.

- And rightly so.

"Akatsuki ......"

Alayzard magician kingdom of Sylphid young Queen, whispered a familiar name.

Listy El Da Sherfied - She traveled with Akatsuki, one of the heroes that was devoted to overthrowing the Demon King Galious.

Even now, she still remembers the trip to overthrow the Demon King, Akatsuki frequently mention.

- The overthrow of the Demon King is an important key to true peace for Alayzard.

Akatsuki single-handedly defeated the Demon King Galious and became a "Hero" in the eyes of the people. However to the conspirators he was a target, and some still blamed him for Leon's death making him a hated figure in a small proportion of residents of Alayzard.

Alone and burdened with everyone's reputation slander, Akatsuki quietly return to his own world. Taking everything away, praise or blame, from the heart of the commotion, is the best choice.

Listy and past comrades Zechs and Lotier tried to stop Akatsuki, because they didn't want Akatsuki to disappear quietly.

However Akatsuki's explanation has persuaded them, additionally requires the three to ask themselves - exactly what must be done for Alayzard to have true peace. Akatsuki is also clear that he must return to his own world, to prevent certain people's ambitions. Akatsuki is very strong-willed, and has no room for compromise, so Listy just remained quite.

After watching Akatsuki return to his own world, Listy, also shouldered a mission after overthrowing the Demon King, this temporally peace must become true peace. Akatsuki was in particular concerned about the Demon King demise, and the relationship between the people of Alayzard and the surviving Demons. Even If a friendly alliance is impossible, at the very least they should avoid unnecessary conflicts, otherwise war will inevitably break out once again - Akatsuki frequently mention that while traveling with him.

Listy agreed with Akatsuki's views, but she is also very clear that the Alayzard people hold a deep seeded hatred towards Demons, in fact Listy as well. Five years ago, the Demon King's army wage a campaign to capture the King, the people who heroically died in battle isn't just Leon, but also Listy's parents. Who were Sherfied's King and Queen at the time, also all royal families were killed in this war. Listy can not forget those tragic memories, and other unforgivable atrocities of Demons.

However, Listy has become Queen of Sylphid, if the remaining Demons continue to hold onto the deep seeded hatred, and even try to go to war, its undoubtedly Sylphid soldiers who will be on the front line. Wars are disputes between nations, of course, its Queen must shoulder the responsibility of the success or failure of a country. As a Ruler for the well-being of all their people, they must sometimes be willing to sacrifice themselves for the sake of peace. Now that Demon King Galious has passed away, supposed war between humans and demons should have ended.

......But ......

Listy slowly raised her head, staring at the sight in front of her.

Thousands of armed soldiers lined up, behind Listy.

At the center is the Sylphid kingdom army.

On the right flank is the mechanical militarist imperial army of Disdia.

On the Left flank is the religious national army of Aleclasta.

Based on military alliance agreement, the three armies together form the attacking formation.

The line of sight invariably falls on the direction the army is facing.

Thousands of miles of forest that stretches the national border line.

The other side of the forest, is the Demon country of Ghelber.

After Demon King Galious death, Ghelber is the home to the surviving demons.

They hated the war, and lived a quiet and peaceful life in the forest.

- This is outside of their imaginations.

However, the situation has changed.

Sherfied and Disdia surveillance forces deployed along the border were routed overnight.

Enemy forces attacked the army camp in middle of the night. A narrowly escaped soldier's testimony and the conformation from the scenes aftermath were proof. According to survivors they were attacked by demons.

"Ah...Her face doesn't look so good."

Suddenly these words passed into her ear, Listy turned around and looked at the young man.

The sound comes from Kingdom of Sherfied's General, Zechs Doltrake, who is staring at the forest.

"The Queen's face has a hesitate and uncertain expression. This will strike a heavy blow to the morale of the troops. How about this, I find several people to escort you back to La Dia?"

Even in the face of Kingdom of Sherfied's Queen, Zechs's tone remains severe.

After all, the friendship between Listy and Zechs has long ago surpassed the relationship between a Queen and general.

In addition to Listy, there were two other people who traveled with Akatsuki to overthrow the Demon King.

One of them is a High Elf Loutier Trum. After overthrowing the Demon King, Loutier become a the fine Chief Executive in Kingdom of Sherfied assisting Listy in governing the entire Kingdom.

The other person is the present Zechs.

After suffering many hardships together had already developed a firm friendship, being a general Zechs was nominally a subordinate of the Queen, but to Listy, Zechs is seen as irreplaceable comrade based on this friendship, Listy was fully aware that Zechs words stem from his care, and meant no harm.

So ......

"...... Sorry, I did not notice my expression, but I will change it so can I continue to stay here."

After being the sorry for showing her innermost feelings, Sylphid Queen again with resolute eyes staring straight ahead.

Listy El Da Sherfied is very clear about what is going to happen here at the moment.

So Listy despite Zechs, Lotier and her guard's opposition, the Queens insisted on standing on the front line.

War.

Listy feels very clear.

The war between human and demon, will once again start soon.

They are unable to realize the aspirations of Akatsuki legacy.

Apart from war, there is no other option.

Since war is inevitable, whatever the outcome she must witness with her own eyes the start and end of this war.

The sun climbed high almost noon.

The Three-country alliance armies calmly started the attack.

Target is the resting place of demons - wandering-forest.

But.

This war has no Demon King.

This war has no Hero.

Without a Demon King and a Hero, how can you draw a line?

Since then, I have been thinking in my heart.

Where did I go wrong?

Translator's Notes and References

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